Discussion on the recruitment strategy for apheresis platelet donors in Chongqing during a public health emergency.

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the population characteristics of apheresis platelet donors in Chongqing Province and provide a scientific basis for the development of precise and efficient recruitment strategies. The ultimate goal is to increase the number of regular platelet donors in preparation for public health emergencies. Methods: This study involved 53,089 blood donors who donated apheresis platelets to the Chongqing Blood Center from 2020 to 2022. Data regarding age, sex, blood type, education level, occupation, and frequency of blood donation were collected and analyzed to identify factors influencing platelet donation. Results: Between 2020 and 2022, the majority of apheresis platelet donors in Chongqing were aged 25-35 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 2.6:1. The ABO blood group distribution was O > A > B > AB. The apheresis platelet donors mainly consisted of college students, and the donors who had donated only once accounted for the greatest proportion. Conclusion: Based on the population characteristics of apheresis platelet donors in Chongqing, blood collection and supply organizations must refine emergency blood collection and supply plans during public health emergencies. This study underscores the importance of developing precise and efficient recruitment strategies for apheresis platelet donors and expanding the pool of regular apheresis platelet donors. These measures are essential to ensure the timely, safe, and effective use of clinical blood resources during public health emergencies.

In platelet single donor apheresis, platelet factor 4 levels correlated with donor's age and decreased during storage.

The human population is ageing worldwide. The World Health Organization estimated that the world's population of people aged 60 years and older will increase to at least 30%, coinciding with a growing frequency of cognitive and cardiovascular disease. Recently, in preclinical studies platelet Factor 4 (PF4) was presented as a pro-cognitive factor. This molecule is released by platelets in the circulation and could be present in blood products destined for transfusion. We wondered if PF4 levels are correlated to the age of the blood donor or to the storage time of platelet concentrates (PCs) intended for transfusion? We observed higher levels of PF4 in PCs from elderly donors compared to younger donors, while PC storage time did not determine PF4 levels expression.

Evaluation of platelets componentized with the Reveos Automated Blood Processing System and stored for 7 days at room temperature in a non-Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) platelet pooling set.

BACKGROUND: Platelet concentrates (PCs) used for transfusion can be produced by apheresis or derived from whole blood (WB). The Reveos device is the first US Food and Drug Administration-approved automated blood processing system that can produce PCs. In this work, we evaluated the quality and function of Reveos-collected PCs stored for 7 days at room temperature. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: WB was collected from healthy donors and componentized on the day of collection (Fresh) or after an overnight hold (Overnight). PCs were produced (n = 7 Fresh; n = 6 Overnight), stored at room temperature in plasma, and evaluated on days 1 and 7 for quality metrics, platelet activation, clot formation, and aggregation response. RESULTS: Platelet count was comparable between Fresh and Overnight PCs. A drop in pH was reported in Fresh day 7 PCs (p < .001, vs. day 1) but not in Overnight. Overnight units displayed the lowest levels of P-selectin expression (p = .0008, vs. day 7 Fresh). Reduced clot strength and increased lysis were observed in both Fresh and Overnight units on day 7 (vs. day 1). Overnight-hold PCs resulted in the highest clot strength on day 7 (p = .0084, vs. Fresh). No differences in aggregation were reported between groups. CONCLUSION: Reveos-processed PCs produced from overnight-hold WB performed better in hemostatic function assays and displayed reduced activation compared to fresh WB-derived PCs, although both PC groups maintained platelet quality throughout storage. Utilization of overnight WB for PC preparation with Reveos holds promise as an alternative method of producing platelets for transfusion purposes.

Donor complication rates in whole blood, plasma and platelet donors: Age versus experience.

BACKGROUND: Many blood banks use upper age limits for donors out of concern for a higher donor complication rate in older donors. Experienced donors are known to have lower donor complication rates, and older donors are often more experienced, confounding the effect of age on donor complication rate. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We studied donor complication rates in whole blood, plasma, and plateletpheresis donors from 2012 to 2022. Donor complication rates were compared between age groups in inexperienced (<20th donation) and experienced (≥20th donation) donors. In addition to this direct comparison, we made use of logistic regression with finer-grained experience groups, to further quantify the effects of age, experience and other factors on donor complication rate. RESULTS: While overall rate of vasovagal reaction was lower, rate of moderate/severe vasovagal syncope was highest in 70-79 year donors, however, only reached significance for plasma donors. Furthermore, rates of failed stab were highest in this age group. Hematoma rate showed a U-shaped pattern with regard to age, where the rate was not higher in the 70-79 year age group than in the 18-23 year age group. Pain decreased with age, however, rates were higher in the 70-79 year age group than in the 65-69 year age group. DISCUSSION: When properly accounting for donor experience, donor complication rate profiles clearly change with age. The increased risk for moderate/severe vasovagal syncope in older donors should be clearly communicated. Extra caution is needed if these donors are accepted for first-time donations.

Evaluation of a scoring system for vein suitability in platelet apheresis donors.

INTRODUCTION: Donor vein assessment for the selection of good quality veins is crucial for a successful apheresis procedure. This study intends to find out the effectiveness of a vein assessment scoring tool (VST) used and found to be effective in selecting whole blood donors to reduce the difficulty in identifying good quality veins for the plateletpheresis procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective observational study on platelet apheresis donors with the application of a VST consisting of three vein descriptor parameters (vein visibility, vein palpability, and vein size) with 5 Likert-type responses constituting a score of 0-12 for each arm. Two vein assessors independently evaluated the vein in both arms and marked their responses blinded from each other as well from the principal investigator. The scores were then calculated and analyzed at the end of the study for their association with phlebotomy and procedural outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 190 donors were recruited. The mean scores for the arms with successful and failed phlebotomy were 9.1 and 9.4 (SD 2.3), respectively. The intra-class correlation Alpha Cronbach value was 0.834 and 0.837 for total scoring in the left arm and right arm, respectively, between the two assessors. Scores neither showed a correlation with other outcomes like low flow alarms, hematoma formation, number of phlebotomy attempts, and procedure completion. CONCLUSION: The study showed that the vein score tool did not truly predict the phlebotomy outcome in apheresis donors, though there was a good degree of inter-assessor reliability.

Donors with repeated blood product discards for filtration problems, clots or hemolysis: Causes and follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: Sanquin donor medicine department is informed when donations or their components are rejected. This can occur isolated or frequently. It is undesirable because the donations cannot be used and there may be an underlying medical cause. Based on regional approaches, a uniform procedure was developed. METHODS: Information about whole blood, plasma- plateletpheresis donations from which one or more components were rejected for filtration time (>2 h), hemolysis or clots were extracted from blood bank information system. After rejection of two successive components or donations or total ≥3 the donor is contacted. Depending on the medical history and investigation by the family doctor, the donor carrier is re-evaluated. We looked for the causes of the discarded products and performed a survey among blood services regarding polices with discarded products. RESULTS: One or more components from 1742 of about 2.2 million successful donations (0.08%) were rejected. The highest percentage of rejection was seen in plateletpheresis (1.5%), all for clots. No underlying medical causes were found. 24 whole blood donors were found to have sickle cell trait (SCT) and were permanently deferred. The policies for follow-up after discarded products or acceptance of SCT donors vary between the 16 blood banks. Six organizations do not follow-up donors and seven accept SCT for blood or plasma donation. CONCLUSION: Informing donors with repeated discarded products avoids the non-use of donations. Causes of repeated discarded products can be found by follow-up of donors. The results of the survey indicate a large discrepancy in policies applied worldwide.

Risk factors for T-cell lymphopenia in frequent platelet donors: The BEST collaborative study.

BACKGROUND: Severe T-cell lymphopenia of uncertain clinical significance has been observed in frequent apheresis platelet donors. Two commonly used plateletpheresis instruments are the Trima Accel, which uses a leukoreduction system (LRS) chamber to trap leukocytes and the Fenwal Amicus, which does not use an LRS chamber. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We performed an international, multicenter, observational study comparing T-cell populations in frequent platelet donors collected exclusively using the Trima instrument (n = 131) or the Amicus instrument (n = 77). Age- and sex-matched whole blood donors (n = 126) served as controls. RESULTS: CD4+ T-cell counts <200 cells/µL were found in 9.9% of frequent Trima (LRS+) platelet donors, 4.4% of frequent Amicus (LRS-) platelet donors, and 0 whole blood donors (p < .0001). CD4+ T-cell counts <200 cells/µL were only seen in platelet donors with ≥200 lifetime donations. In multivariable analysis, age, lifetime donations, and instrument (Trima vs. Amicus) were independent risk factors for lymphopenia. In 40 Trima platelet donors, a plasma rinseback procedure was routinely performed following platelet collections. No Trima platelet donors receiving plasma rinseback had a CD4+ T-cell count <200 cells/µL versus 13/91 Trima platelet donors not receiving plasma rinseback (p = .01). DISCUSSION: Recurrent bulk lymphocyte removal appears to contribute to the development of T-cell lymphopenia in frequent, long-term platelet donors. Lymphopenia is more common when an LRS chamber is used during platelet collection but can occur without an LRS chamber. Blood centers using LRS chambers can mitigate donor lymphopenia by performing plasma rinseback.

'Ironing out the risk': Assessing the effect of plateletpheresis donation frequency on iron stores in South-Asian male donors.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Repeated blood donation is a well-known cause of iron deficiency among donors. However, present scientific literature lacks comprehensive evidence regarding the impact of regular plateletpheresis procedures on body iron reserves. In this study, we aimed to detect and correlate iron deficiency (using iron indices) with the frequency of platelet donations. Additionally, we also analysed the correlation between other iron and haematological indices with serum ferritin to determine cost-effective parameters that may serve as an initial screening approach to determine which donors should be subjected to serum ferritin testing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 180 male participants from our platelet donor registry were enrolled in this observational cross-sectional study. Enrolment questionnaires were administered to eligible donors, and biological samples were collected during plateletpheresis donation. Biological tests such as complete blood count, reticulocyte indices, iron indices, vitamin B12 and folate were performed. RESULTS: Donors with ≥12 donations per year showed the highest prevalence of low ferritin (serum ferritin: 15-30 ng/mL) and absent iron stores (serum ferritin <15 ng/mL) (41.3% and 26.7%, respectively). Ferritin showed a significant negative correlation with recent (r = -0.346) and lifetime donations (r = -0.196). The efficacy of other indices for identifying iron depletion was much better using a serum ferritin value <15 ng/mL. CONCLUSION: Regular plateletpheresis donations can lead to varying severities of non-anaemic iron deficiency. Blood centres must regularly monitor frequent plateletpheresis donors (especially donors with more than 11 donations in a calendar year) and ideally maintain their serum ferritin above 30 ng/mL.

The effect of thrombocytapheresis on hemogram and biochemistry parameters in patients with essential thrombocytemia.

BACKGROUND: Essential thrombocythemia is one of the chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms characterized by clonal proliferation of myeloid cells with variable morphological maturation and hematopoietic activity.It is characterized by excessive clonal platelet production with a tendency to thrombosis and bleeding. Thrombocytapheresis is the removal of platelets by apheresis techniques. Thrombocytapheresis is generally recommended in patients with essential thrombocythemia with acute, severe thrombotic or hemorrhagic events. METHODS: The study included 39 patients who were diagnosed with essential thrombocythemia, started cytoreductive and aspirin therapy, and underwent thrombocytapheresis due to the development of acute severe thrombotic or hemorrhagic events, diagnosed in the adult hematology clinic of Inönü University Turgut Ozal Medical Center. Hemogram and biochemistry values of the patients were scanned retrospectively. RESULTS: After thrombocytapheresis, a statistically significant difference was found between the first and last measurements of hemoglobin, mean platelet volume, White blood cell, neutrophil, platelet, platelet distribution width, creatine, lactate dehydrogenase, fibronogen and calcium levels of the patients. CONCLUSION: The use of thrombocytapheresis in patients with essential thrombocytosis causes a rapid decrease in platelet values as well as an effect on hemogram and biochemistry parameters. Other hemogram and biochemistry parameters such as platelet value should be monitored in patients.

Efficacy of autologous plateletpheresis in adult aortic surgery: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Perioperative coagulopathy is common in patients undergoing aortic surgery, increasing the risk of excessive blood loss and subsequent allogeneic transfusion. Blood conservation has become a vital part of cardiovascular surgery, but measures to protect platelets from destruction by cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) are still lacking. Autologous platelet concentrate (APC) may have potential benefits for intraoperative blood preservation, but its efficacy has not been studied extensively. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of APC as a blood conservation technique to reduce blood transfusion in adult aortic surgery. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a prospective, single-centre, single-blind randomised controlled trial. A total of 344 adult patients undergoing aortic surgery with CPB will be enrolled and randomised to either the APC group or the control group with a 1:1 randomisation ratio. Patients in the APC group will receive autologous plateletpheresis before heparinisation, while those in the control group will not. The primary outcome is the perioperative packed red blood cell (pRBC) transfusion rate. Secondary endpoints include the volume of perioperative pRBC transfusion; drainage volume within 72 hours post-surgery; postoperative coagulation and platelet function; and the incidence of adverse events. Data will be analysed according to the intention-to-treat principle. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study was approved by the institutional review board of Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College (no. 2022-1806). All procedures included in this study will be performed in adherence to the Helsinki Declaration. The results of the trial will be published in an international peer-reviewed journal. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Chinese Clinical Trial Register (ChiCTR2200065834).

Young apheresis platelet donors show significant and sustained growth over the last decade in the US, 2010-2019: A favorable sign of the resiliency of the platelet supply.

BACKGROUND: Platelet demand continues to rise and US hospitals frequently face shortages. The peak median age of apheresis platelet donors (APD) is believed to have increased over the last decade, raising concerns that the APD base is not being adequately replenished with young donors. STUDY DESIGN/METHODS: American Red Cross (ARC) apheresis platelet collections were evaluated from calendar years 2010 through 2019. APD, products per procedure/split rate (PPP) and donation frequencies were stratified into age groups. RESULTS/FINDINGS: The number of unique APD from calendar year 2010 through 2019 in the ARC donor pool increased from 87,573 to 115,372 donors, representing a 31.7% overall growth. Donors in the 16-40 year-old (y) age group increased by 78.8% overall, with the largest absolute increases seen in the 26-30 y (4852 donors, 99.9% growth), followed by the 31-35 y (3991, 94.1%) group. Donors aged 56+ increased by 50.4% overall, with the largest increase seen in the 66-70 y (5988 donors, 108.1% growth) group. Middle-aged donors, aged 41-55 y, demonstrated a decrease of 16.5%. Over the last decade, the youngest age groups (16-40 y) comprised 61.3% of first-time donors (FTD). Annual donation frequency increased with increasing age and PPP. The highest donation frequencies were seen in the oldest age groups. CONCLUSION: Although the peak median age of APD increased over the study period, relative contribution of the 16-40 y APD base also increased. Older donors exhibited the highest donation frequencies and thus contributed the largest volume of apheresis platelet units. Platelet donor activity declined in the middle age (41-55 y) group.

Comparison of platelet quality and function across apheresis collection platforms.

BACKGROUND: Platelet concentrates (PLT) can be manufactured using a combination of apheresis collection devices and suspension media (plasma or platelet additive solution (PAS)). It is unclear how platelet quality and hemostatic function differ across the current in-use manufacturing methods in the United States. The objective of this study was therefore to compare baseline function of PLT collected using different apheresis collection platforms and storage media. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: PLT were collected at two sites with identical protocols (N = 5 per site, N = 10 total per group) on the MCS® + 9000 (Haemonetics; "MCS"), the Trima Accel® 7 (Terumo; "Trima"), and the Amicus Cell Separator (Fresenius Kabi, "Amicus"). MCS PLT were collected into plasma while Trima and Amicus PLT were collected into plasma or PAS (Trima into Isoplate and Amicus into InterSol; yielding groups "TP", "TI" and "AP", "AI", respectively). PLT units were sampled 1 h after collection and assayed to compare cellular counts, biochemistry, and hemostatic function. RESULTS: Differences in biochemistry were most evident between plasma and PAS groups, as anticipated. MCS and TP had the highest clot strength as assessed by viscoelastometry. AI had the lowest thrombin generation capacity. Both TP and TI had the highest responses on platelet aggregometry. AI had the greatest number of microparticles. DISCUSSION: Platelet quality and function differ among collection platforms at baseline. MCS and Trima platelets overall appear to trend toward higher hemostatic function. Future investigations will assess how these differences change throughout storage, and if these in vitro measures are clinically relevant.

Plateletpheresis donor deferral patterns at a tertiary care hospital in North India: A need for rethink of haemoglobin cutoff.

INTRODUCTION: The donor deferral criteria for blood or apheresis donations are established for two main reasons: (i) to ensure the safety of the blood donor (non-maleficence); (ii) to obtain safe blood of standard quality that has therapeutic benefit for the patient (beneficence). This study was planned to assess the various causes and patterns of plateletpheresis donor deferral in our hospital and to subsequently assess whether any evidence based changes can be done in the current plateletpheresis donor deferral criteria in India to maximize the platelet donor pool without compromising donor safety. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The present study was conducted from May 2021 till June 2022 in the department of transfusion medicine of a tertiary care hospital in North India. The first part of the study was conducted from May 2021 till March 2022 to assess the various causes of donor deferral by analysing the plateletpheresis donor deferral data during the corresponding period. The second part of the study was conducted from April 2022 till June 2022, to assess: (i) average decrease in haemoglobin after plateletpheresis procedure; (ii) red blood cell loss during plateletpheresis procedure; (iii) to determine whether any correlation exists between donor haemoglobin and platelet yield. RESULTS: During the study period, a total of 260 donors were screened for plateletpheresis, out of which 221 (85%) donors were accepted and 39 (15%) donors were deferred for various reasons. Out of the 39 deferred donors, 33 (84.6%) were temporary deferrals, while 6 (15.4%) were permanent deferrals. Low haemoglobin (Hb < 12.5 g/dl) was a cause of deferral in 12.8% (n = 5) of the deferred donors. 192 (73.9%) out of the 260 donors were replacement donors. The calculated mean decrease in haemoglobin as a result of plateletpheresis procedure was 0.4 g/dl. No correlation was seen between donor pre-donation haemoglobin and platelet yield (p = 0.86, r = 0.06, R2 = 0.003). The calculated mean red cell loss as a result of plateletpheresis procedure was 28 ml. CONCLUSION: Low haemoglobin (<12.5 g/dl) is a significant cause of temporary plateletpheresis donor deferral in India. In view of the advancement in plateletpheresis technology, which has resulted in minimal red cell loss with the current generation apheresis devices, haemoglobin cutoff of 12.5 g/dl needs to be reconsidered. Perhaps, after performing a multi-centric trial, a consenscus can be reached for revision of haemoglobin cutoff for plateletpheresis donations.

The role of sodium citrate during extended cold storage of platelets in platelet additive solutions.

BACKGROUND: Cold-stored platelets are increasingly being used to treat bleeding. Differences in manufacturing processes and storage solutions can affect platelet quality and may influence the shelf life of cold-stored platelets. PAS-E and PAS-F are approved platelet additive solutions (PAS) in Europe and Australia, or the United States respectively. Comparative data are required to facilitate international transferability of laboratory and clinical data. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Single apheresis platelets from matched donors (n = 8) were collected using the Trima apheresis platform and resuspended in either 40% plasma/60% PAS-E or 40% plasma/60% PAS-F. In a secondary study, platelets in PAS-F were supplemented with sodium citrate, to match the concentration in PAS-E. Components were refrigerated (2-6°C) and tested over 21 days. RESULTS: Cold-stored platelets in PAS-F had a lower pH, a greater propensity to form visible (and micro-) aggregates, and higher activation markers compared to PAS-E. These differences were most pronounced during extended storage (14-21 days). While the functional capacity of cold-stored platelets was similar, the PAS-F group displayed minor improvements in ADP-induced aggregation and TEG parameters (R-time, angle). Supplementation of PAS-F with 11 mM sodium citrate improved the platelet content, maintained the pH above specifications and prevented aggregate formation. DISCUSSION: In vitro parameters were similar during short-term cold storage of platelets in PAS-E and PAS-F. Storage in PAS-F beyond 14 days resulted in poorer metabolic and activation parameters. However, the functional capacity was maintained, or even enhanced. The presence of sodium citrate may be an important constituent in PAS for extended cold storage of platelets.

Effect of double dose plateletpheresis on target yield and donor platelet recovery

Abstract Introduction The demand for apheresis platelets has increased in the recent past and the shrinking donor pool has shifted the trend to collection of double-dose or higher yield of platelets. Objective The present study aimed to determine the effect of double-dose plateletpheresis on the target yield and donor platelet recovery. Methods The study was conducted on 100 healthy plateletpheresis donors, 50 of whom were in the study group, which underwent double-dose plateletpheresis (DDP), and 50 of whom were in the control group for single-donor plateletpheresis. Pre- and post-procedure samples of donors were subjected to a complete blood count. The DDP product was sampled for platelet yield and then split into two parts. Platelet yield, collection efficiency, collection rate, recruitment factor and donor platelet loss were calculated. Results The mean platelet yield in the SDP was 4.09 ± 1.15 × 1011 and in the DDP, 5.93 ± 1.04 × 1011. There was a significant correlation between the pre-donation platelet count and platelet yield. The total of platelets processed for the SDP were 5.42 ± 1.08 × 1011 and for the DDP, 7.94 ± 0.77 × 1011. The collection efficiency was 71.93 ± 25.14% in the SDP and 72.94 ± 16.28% in the DDP, while the collection rates were 0.78 × 1011 and 0.94 × 1011 per minute, respectively. The average recruitment factor observed was 0.98 in the SDP, while it was 0.99 in the DDP. The mean platelet loss observed in the SDP was 35.55 ± 8.53% and in the DDP, 37.76 ± 8.65%. Conclusion The double-dose plateletpheresis supplements the platelet inventory in developing countries where the apheresis donor pool is limited. It is prudent to ensure stringent donor selection criteria for donors donating high-yield platelet products, thus enhancing donor safety and retention.

Prevalence and causes of pre-donation deferrals among potential plateletpheresis donors at a blood center in Eastern China.

BACKGROUND: In China, the platelet donation interval is 14 days. The eligibility criterion of plateletpheresis donors (PD) is more stringent than that of whole blood donors, so the deferral causes are very complicated. However, the deferral prevalence and causes among PDs are not well known in China. OBJECTIVE: To analyse the deferral prevalence and influencing factors during pre-donation among PDs in a blood centre in Eastern China. METHODS: From December 26, 2020 to December 25, 2021, all data of potential PDs during pre-donation were extracted from the register system and collected using Microsoft Excel. The number of deferred visits and the corresponding causes were retrospectively analysed, and the re-donation rate of deferred donors was calculated. RESULTS: A total of 19,762 visits were included in the study. Of these 17,847 (90.3%) donated platelets successfully and 1915 (9.7%) were deferred. The prevalence of deferrals was high among those less than 35 years old (p < 0.05) and first-time donors (p = 0). The leading cause for deferral was elevated alanine transaminase (51.4%) followed by abnormal haematological parameters (37.15%). High white blood cell count was the first deferral factor (26.9%) in abnormal haematological parameters. In more than 2 ineligible items, low haemoglobin and haematocrit simultaneously were dominant (58.3%). The re-donation rate of repeat donors (65.4%) was higher than that of first-time donors (19.3%) (p = 0). CONCLUSION: The deferral prevalence in Chinese plateletpheresis donors was not high. First-time and young donors were more frequently deferred. The repeat donors should be of concern, especially with abnormal haematological parameters.

Knowledge and attitudes of apheresis donors regarding apheresis blood donation.

BACKGROUND: Demand for apheresis blood donation has increased with the widening of the use of blood transfusion and the decrease in the donor pool. The knowledge level of apheresis donors, their attitudes such as donating again and recommending others to donate via apheresis are important in meeting this demand. OBJECTIVE: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted with 182 plateletpheresis donors to determine their knowledge and attitudes regarding apheresis blood donation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Participants were asked 34 questions (which were prepared based on the literature and perfected by expert opinion and pre-administration) to determine their level of knowledge regarding apheresis. A value of 1 point was assigned for each 'correct' answer and 0 points for 'wrong' and 'do not know' answers. Participants' total level of knowledge scores was formulated to have a value between 0 and 100 (i.e., the score of each group was divided into the number of question and multiplied by 100). Participant attitudes were evaluated based on responses to 14 questions using a 5-point Likert questionnaire. RESULTS: Total knowledge scores regarding apheresis were moderate (55 ± 15.2). Those who were educated above the university level (compared to primary school and less, middle and high-school education levels) had higher level of knowledge scores regarding apheresis. In general, participants had a positive attitude regarding the importance and effects of apheresis blood donation. Those with the following characteristics had a positive attitude (p < 0.05) regarding the importance of apheresis blood donation: female (compared to men), single (compared to married), 18-33 years of age (compared to 34-49 and 50-65 years of age groups, with an above-university level of education (compared to primary school and less, middle and high-school education levels), informed regarding apheresis blood donation, first-time donors and donors to unknown recipients. CONCLUSION: Study participants demonstrated a moderate level of knowledge and positive attitude regarding the importance of apheresis blood donation. Thus, to enhance attitudes on the procedure and reduce the risk of recipient infections, blood donors should be better informed regarding apheresis blood donation.

A multivariate analysis of the risk of iron deficiency in plateletpheresis donors based on logistic regression.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to analyze the application of individual factors, blood cell related indicators, and blood donation frequency in predicting the risk of iron deficiency of plateletpheresis donors. METHODS: A total of 801 plateletpheresis donors were included in this study. The relationship between risk factors and iron deficiency was retrospectively analyzed by univariate analysis and logistic regression analysis. The application of Hb, MCHC, RDW-CV and blood donation frequency combined prediction of iron deficiency risk among plateletpheresis donors was evaluated. RESULT: The rate of iron deficiency in this study was 31.5 % (241/766). The age, gender (the ratio of male donors), red blood cell related indicators, blood donation frequency were statistically different between the normal and iron deficiency group (all P < 0.05). Age, gender, the reciprocal of Hb and MCHC, RDW-CV, total number of blood donation and number of plateletpheresis donation in the past year, these indicators to predict the risk of iron deficiency area under the curve (AUC) were 0.558, 0.672, 0.785, 0.717, 0.599, 0.621, 0.646, respectively. The AUC of these indicators combined to predict the risk of iron deficiency was 0.877, higher than all single indicators. The sensitivity and specificity of these indicators combined in prediction of iron deficiency were 88.89 % and 81.57 %, respectively. CONCLUSION: Age, gender, the reciprocal of Hb and MCHC, RDV-CV, blood donation frequency are associated with the risk of iron deficiency in plateletpheresis donors. The combination of these indicators has high value in predicting the risk of iron deficiency.

Predicting donor-related factors for high platelet yield donations by classification and regression tree analysis

Introduction Collecting high-dose (HD) or double-dose (DD) apheresis platelets units from a single collection offers significant benefit by improving inventory logistics and minimizing the cost per unit produced. Platelet collection yield by apheresis is primarily influenced by donor factors, but the cell separator used also affects the collection yield. Objectives To predict the cutoff in donor factors resulting in HD and DD platelet collections between Trima/Spectra Optia and MCS+ apheresis equipment using Classification and Regression Trees (CART) analysis. Methods High platelet yield collections (target ≥ 4.5 × 1011 platelets) using MCS+, Trima Accel and Spectra Optia were included. Endpoints were ≥ 6 × 1011 platelets for DD and ≥ 4.5 to < 6 × 1011 for HD collections. The CART, a tree building technique, was used to predict the donor factors resulting in high-yield platelet collections in Trima/Spectra Optia and MCS+ equipment by R programming. Results Out of 1,102 donations, the DDs represented 60% and the HDs, 31%. The Trima/Spectra Optia predicted higher success rates when the donor platelet count was set at ≥ 205 × 103/µl and ≥ 237 × 103/µl for HD and DD collections. The MCS+ predicted better success when the donor platelet count was ≥ 286 × 103/µl for HD and ≥ 384 × 103/µl for DD collections. Increased donor weight helped counter the effects of lower donor platelet counts only for HD collections in both the equipment. Conclusions The donor platelet count and weight formed the strongest criteria for predicting high platelet yield donations. Success rates for collecting DD and HD products were higher in the Trima/Spectra Optia, as they require lower donor platelet count and body weight than the MCS+.